Rudbeck, Olof (1630-1702)

Swedish physiologist who discovered that the thoracic duct is connected to the intestinal lymphatics (the lymph vessels that carry chyle, the fluid containing all the nutrients derived from digestion).

Jean Pecquet claimed that he had discovered the thoracic duct during his animal dissections 1647. However, Rudbeck, working independently of Pecquet, discovered that the thoracic duct is connected to the lymphatic system. The thoracic duct carries lymph and chyle into the cardiovascular system. The lymphatic system recovers interstitial fluid from the loose connective tissues throughout the body. Lymphatic vessels have very thin walls and the fluid passes into them more easily than back into the blood capillaries.

Rudbeck studied medicine at the University of Uppsala and, in Leiden, embarked on detailed studies of the lymphatic system of the body; work which led to his appointment as professor of medicine at Uppsala.